One of the friendliest faces on the grid, but masking a steely determination at the wheel, Daniel Ricciardo has been one of Formula 1's most popular drivers since debuting in the sport. One of many Red Bull academy graduates now in motorsport, the Australian enjoyed the best successes of his career with the team before deciding to up sticks and join Renault's ambitious project for the 2019 season.

Early days and Toro Rosso

Having won titles in Formula Renault and British Formula 3 in his junior days, Ricciardo was drafted into Red Bull's talent programme, appearing in young driver tests for the team in 2009 and 2010, as well as being handed test driver status for Toro Rosso. Ricciardo was racing in Formula Renault 3.5 in 2011 when he was drafted into the struggling HRT team to replace Narain Karthikeyan, making his F1 debut at the British Grand Prix and racing in 10 more grands prix that year.